What you need to know about wood furniture

Next time you are in the market for wood furniture, consider the following guidelines:

1. Where does the wood come from?
You want to look for wood that has been legally harvested from responsibly-managed forests. Whenever possible, look for reclaimed or recycled woods. Also available are a number of fast-growing woods, including bamboo, which are neither threatened nor threaten other species in production.

2. Is the wood certified by a third party?
In addition to the Sustainable Furnishings Council, you can look for certification from other third-parties including the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

3. Is the manufacturer working to reduce energy use?
In addition to the actual manufacturing energy cost, consider the distance that your wood has traveled. Cargo ships have become one of the nation’s leading sources of air pollution, threatening the health of millions of people.

4. Where was the furniture made?
Look for products that were made close to your home and sourced from raw materials from within 500 miles. This will reduce the distance traveled and also support grassroots initiatives that are working to improve the sustainable furniture industry as a whole.

5. Were any high Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) finishes used to create the product?
Varnishes and lacquers are the most common offenders, but many paints also contain high levels of VOCs. Look for water-based finishes that have low or no VOCs.

Green Pets

Here are some key labels to look for when you are seeking green alternatives for your pets:

- USDA Certified Organic: this is the only official certification for organic products, assuring that the food has undergone a third-party certification process. Compared to products market “natural” or “holistic,” this process validates that at least 95% of the ingredients are organic.

- Free-Range Meat: look for foods made from animals that are raised out-of-doors, without cages, and are fed grass and other natural diets.

- Cruelty-Free: look for items that feature no animal testing and can prove the animals raised for meat are treated in a humane manner.

- AAFCO Certification: this certification, provided by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) ensures the food is formulated to meet balanced nutritional levels and contain the micro- and macro-nutrients needed to keep your pets healthy.

There are many healthy, green options available on the market for dogs and cats, but as with any green product, it is important that you check the label and investigate the company to ensure that you fully understand the claims and certifications.